Absolutely. Such a wonderful movie. I was always amazed that critics so condemned this film, but considered Chaplin's film to be a classic. Maybe it was Lubitsch's film. I'm glad that modern critics recognize it as the classic it has always been. I have always been a fan of the great Jack Benny, and this was his best film. Lubitsch knew how best to use Jack, and Jack gave an actual performance, not just recreate the "Jack Benny" character as he so often found himself falling back on when he made films. There are elements of the character, of course, but it's in context with the frame. Tura (in disguise): ... [the] great, great Polish actor, Josef Tura. You've probably heard of him. Colonel Ehrhardt : Oh, yes ... What he did to Shakespeare we are now doing to Poland! The look on Jack's face was priceless. Carole Lombard is absolutely gorgeous in this film and never overwhelmed by the comedians or those she opposes. She is perfectly in sync and works well as part of the troupe. And she is perfect as a femme fatale - fully embracing the plot and even guiding it in places. She was a great comedienne in her own right, but also a strong enough actor to cover the more serious aspects of the story. It was a true tragedy that she was killed so soon after filming - it virtually guaranteed that if anyone remembered To Be, it would be only as Carole Lombard's last film. And it really deserves to be remembered more. The movie just works so very well as a farce. It looks like Jack and the troupe are just being carried along by events, but they do work out their plan and follow through with it: It's a Mission Impossible plot run by comedians, and not in the Marx Brothers style of anarchy, but as a true espionage caper. I loved this film. As for the remake, I think that's another misstep from Mel Brooks. It does NOT work as well as the original, and Brooks' character is no Jack Benny. I did not care for the remake at all.
This film was released in February, 1942, just two months after America went to war. So, it must have been made before America's involvement in WWII. Also, Jack Benny was good in other films, such as "Charlie's Aunt" and "George Washington Slept Here". Mixed genres: "Ghost Breakers", 1940 - comedy and horror; "Without A Clue", 1988, comedy and crime/mystery; "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution", 1976 - drama, mystery, adventure.
A recent movie that seemed to blend genres that I really enjoyed was The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. One part mock biopic, one part action thriller, and one part comedy. Excellent blend.
also a personal fav; and it has to be one of the greatest all-around masterpieces. as what other movie has done what it's done? managed to stay both funny and poignant even after the full horrors of the holocaust were revealed. in this respect it's absolutely unique. (even Chaplin said he regretted the Great Dictator for being too soft - the end speech is pretty lame in full historic context, let's be honest. so while remaining good, it doesn't hold up in the same way.)
My friends and I recently watched 'Some Like It Hot' and it was a big hit. Have you seen that one? Anyways, I have been looking for another screwball comedy and this may be just the thing!
I usually *cannot stand* Mel Brooks, and I am a huge fan of Jack Benny. However, in this case I thought that Brooks's 1980's remake was much better than the original.
This synopsis is so well done, the only thing left to do is the standing ovation.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Lovely tribute to a lovely film!
All of Ernst Lubitsch's films are wonderful. Great reviews.
Thanks!
Absolutely. Such a wonderful movie. I was always amazed that critics so condemned this film, but considered Chaplin's film to be a classic. Maybe it was Lubitsch's film. I'm glad that modern critics recognize it as the classic it has always been.
I have always been a fan of the great Jack Benny, and this was his best film. Lubitsch knew how best to use Jack, and Jack gave an actual performance, not just recreate the "Jack Benny" character as he so often found himself falling back on when he made films. There are elements of the character, of course, but it's in context with the frame.
Tura (in disguise): ... [the] great, great Polish actor, Josef Tura. You've probably heard of him.
Colonel Ehrhardt : Oh, yes ... What he did to Shakespeare we are now doing to Poland!
The look on Jack's face was priceless.
Carole Lombard is absolutely gorgeous in this film and never overwhelmed by the comedians or those she opposes. She is perfectly in sync and works well as part of the troupe. And she is perfect as a femme fatale - fully embracing the plot and even guiding it in places. She was a great comedienne in her own right, but also a strong enough actor to cover the more serious aspects of the story. It was a true tragedy that she was killed so soon after filming - it virtually guaranteed that if anyone remembered To Be, it would be only as Carole Lombard's last film. And it really deserves to be remembered more.
The movie just works so very well as a farce. It looks like Jack and the troupe are just being carried along by events, but they do work out their plan and follow through with it: It's a Mission Impossible plot run by comedians, and not in the Marx Brothers style of anarchy, but as a true espionage caper. I loved this film.
As for the remake, I think that's another misstep from Mel Brooks. It does NOT work as well as the original, and Brooks' character is no Jack Benny. I did not care for the remake at all.
This film was released in February, 1942, just two months after America went to war. So, it must have been made before America's involvement in WWII. Also, Jack Benny was good in other films, such as "Charlie's Aunt" and "George Washington Slept Here". Mixed genres: "Ghost Breakers", 1940 - comedy and horror; "Without A Clue", 1988, comedy and crime/mystery;
"The Seven-Per-Cent Solution", 1976 - drama, mystery, adventure.
"Los cronocrimenes" is a great genre blending movie
A recent movie that seemed to blend genres that I really enjoyed was The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. One part mock biopic, one part action thriller, and one part comedy. Excellent blend.
Great choice!
also a personal fav; and it has to be one of the greatest all-around masterpieces. as what other movie has done what it's done? managed to stay both funny and poignant even after the full horrors of the holocaust were revealed. in this respect it's absolutely unique. (even Chaplin said he regretted the Great Dictator for being too soft - the end speech is pretty lame in full historic context, let's be honest. so while remaining good, it doesn't hold up in the same way.)
My friends and I recently watched 'Some Like It Hot' and it was a big hit. Have you seen that one? Anyways, I have been looking for another screwball comedy and this may be just the thing!
Excellent choice! That’s one of my favorite Billy Wilder films!
I usually *cannot stand* Mel Brooks, and I am a huge fan of Jack Benny. However, in this case I thought that Brooks's 1980's remake was much better than the original.
Love Brooks and Benny, prefer the original